To carry out the correct installation of hot and cold water, gas or air, you should be familiar with the rules and methods of connection in the system of copper pipes. The high cost is justified by the high performance and long-life.
What nuances exist
To organize the creation of the pipeline system, used tubes made of durable plastic. Stainless steel refers to the expensive price segment, but this nuance covers reliability. To carry out the repair work, a true alternative can be a tube made of copper.
Such a system advantageously tolerate sudden temperature changes without fear of large amounts of chlorine or ultraviolet. To prevent the development of corrosion inside the set special devices. In the absence of a liquid formulation of the heavy metals and other substances, such pipes did not hurt either serve for decades.
The following aspects can be distinguished among the significant drawbacks:
- Softness.
- High price.
The latter disadvantage is considered justified due to long service life.
Basic requirements for welding
Before carrying out important work, it is recommended to review the following points:
- It is undesirable to use a lead option in the manufacturing process of water supply because it is a material having increased toxicity.
- Optimum water feed stream should not exceed 2 m / s. Otherwise, particulate matter will adversely affect the functioning of the structure.
- During installation, the use of flux is important, in the final step necessary to clean the whole system. Otherwise, the corrosion of copper is formed on the walls.
- The field structure of the compound should not be overheated. Otherwise, the structural strength is lost as leaks at the joints.
- It is planned to carry out soldering using other metal compound of copper or brass pipe fitting necessarily bronze, or the pipe will lose its strength.
- If in the process of cutting the tubes appear irregularities or burrs before soldering them must necessarily smooth. This is associated with a reduction of working time, the appearance and increase in deformation area.
- Engaging the abrasive composition is strictly prohibited. Residual particles can lead to deposition of metallic appearance flaws or fistula.
Upon contact with other substances in the course of work other kinds of material, the water flow must be directed from them to the copper structure. If you violate this rule, there is a chemical reaction of the pipeline.
Metal has a large ductility, therefore, readily undergoes deformation during the cutting process.
The main types of compounds
With the start, it makes sense to read the instructions on wiring and take care of the pretreatment: cut a few pipes. You will need the following tools:
- pipe cutter,
- tube bender,
- hacksaw,
- file.
In order to properly do the cleaning, optimum use of sandpaper. The correct calculation of the materials can be made only if the plans for future work, which is appropriate diameter of the pipes. Counting the number of connecting elements deemed necessary procedure.
There are several ways to connect copper pipes used in the assembly work:
- Welding. At industrial enterprises, for a long time the process is automated. However, it can be used independently by means of a special device and electrodes. To create a protective environment, used helium, argon, nitrogen. In some situations it is necessary to use a gas burner. Electrodes used copper, carbon, graphite or tungsten.
An important caveat - strong divergence in the characteristics obtained at the weld metal and from which the pipe is made. Also, there is a difference in the definition of chemical composition, thermal conductivity parameters. If we admit the violation in technology, the joint probability of divergence will increase by several times.
Competently and accurately carry out the welding can only qualified professionals with extensive experience. Due to the many nuances in the selection of the technology. When planning to independently perform all the work, it is better to use an alternative connection method.
- Capillary. In everyday life, experts are rare with the need to connect copper pipes. The simplest solution of the problem is soldered with the activation of the burner on gas or a blowtorch.
There are two ways:
- with the use of high temperatures. Need burner of propane or acetylene, metal alloys from a tight,
- at low temperatures. Suffice blowtorch and soft metals.
The end result is almost identical: sturdy and durable connection. The first option is more stable and smooth seam. But more likely through the pipe due to the high temperature of the heating gas. Solder need basis of tin or a combination of lead and bismuth, copper, or silver. But the use of heavy metals (lead) is not advisable to select the installation of water supply.
actually took place in the home:
- connection of copper pipes with compression fittings,
- flared.
With the second embodiment, the pre-expanding one end of the tube by the expander. It is put on the other end of the tube and soldered. The procedure is performed only on the docking tubes. By expanding the pipe end, as a gap is left 0.1-0.2 mm. The space is completely filled by capillary technology.
It is important not to cause mechanical damage during construction rations. If the pipe is made of solid copper R290, its pre-fired. The result is an analog with greater softness. In the process of calculating the pressure changes should be considered.
To facilitate the process, you can buy ready-made connectors Connectors: coupling, tee, turn the cap. They already have a bell. But it requires additional financial costs, but also significantly simplifies the process, reduces the time to work.
The pipe is coated with flux, not to use additional filters for cleaning. Solder is performed upon reaching the optimal temperature. When melting metal flows inside. If a large number of hits, it will flow out from within their own structures. As a result, the pipe diameter becomes smaller.
In the event of complications of procedure, it is recommended to use the fitting. To simplify the task, on the production used a special band of capillaries. It remains to put it into a pipe and do soldering.
- Press fitting sleeve or collet. In places where it is planned to make the solder wear ring seal. If you are using a press sleeve, it is necessary to clamp the tongs, and at fitting you need to get the key and coupling nut. The pipe ends should abut tightly, to avoid gaps. Clutch eliminates leakage.
To realize the household tasks compound of copper tubes with supporting elements and no soldering is the best option, since the probability of dropping the assumptions of serious errors.
Choice of mounting techniques
In practice, the most commonly used two variants of installation of copper piping system. Before starting work, everyone decides for himself how the pipeline will be: releasable or permanent.
There are the following connection methods:
- welding with an electric apparatus,
- by pressing,
- Use of a gas burner or an electric soldering iron.
All methods allowed to choose to manufacture, irrespective of the pipeline. The main thing to decide whether additional fittings used or not. If the system should be easy and affordable in terms of repairs or add additional elements, it is advisable to make a pipe split. The fitting can be selected:
- compression,
- threaded,
- with automatic latching.
For self-creation is the best option, there is no need to apply the solder. Do not necessarily have a lot of experience and knowledge to make a collapsible system on their own living conditions. Periodically have to tighten the nut to prevent leaks. Constant pressure adjustment comes to a decrease in strength fasteners.
Option without including connectors relevant in a situation where it is planned to close it concrete screed. There will be a mandatory procedure for welding. It differs from the first version of a long service life and reliability. Carving should not be present on the copper product. The compound is carried out only by means of fittings. Additionally need soldering or pressing.
conclusion
Select the connection of copper pipes it depends on the conditions in which it is planned to carry out all the work and the purposes for which it is needed. Typically, adhesions work through a special device, it is advisable to choose if you have specialized knowledge and experience. Without spikes - an option unique to household items.
In the latter case, the optional connecting members and fittings. But it is necessary to periodically monitor the condition of the pipeline, as time fasteners places may occur. Therefore, from time to time will have to tighten fasteners.
